"What a Difference a Friend Makes" Anti-Stigma Campaign

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) is partnering with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to launch an Anti-Stigma Campaign. The campaign, "What a Difference a Friend Makes," is designed to decrease the negative attitudes that surround mental illness and encourage young adults to support their friends who are living with mental health problems.

Mental health problems are surprisingly common, according to many studies. In fact, mental illness affects most families in America at some point. Studies also show that most people with mental illnesses get better and many recovery completely. One major barrier to recovery, however, is stigma - the aura of shame and blame that surrounds mental health problems. This fear of mental health problems is a major problem in itself.

The following are steps anyone can take to counter stigma:

• Share the facts about mental health problems and about people with these problems. Speak up if you hear or read something that isn't true.


• Treat people with mental health needs with respect and dignity, as you would anybody else.


• Don't label people with mental health problems by using terms like "crazy," "wacko," "schizo," "loony," "psycho," or "nuts."


• Don't label people by their illness. Instead of saying "She's a schizophrenic," say "She has schizophrenia."


• Support people with mental health problems by helping to develop community resources.


• Teach children about mental health. Help them see that these problems are like any other illness and can be treated.

According to SAMHSA the prevalence of serious mental health conditions in the 18-25 years of age group is almost double that of the general population, yet young people have the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. This group has a high potential to minimize future disability if social acceptance is broadened and they receive the right support and services early on.

The opportunity for recovery is more likely in a society of acceptance, and this initiative is meant to inspire young people to serve as the mental health vanguard, motivating a societal change toward acceptance and decreasing the negative attitudes that surround mental illness. SAMHSA and DMH are leading a public education effort to counter stigma and bring down barriers that keep people from seeking treatment.

For more information on mental health problems and stigma visit www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov or call DMH at 1-877-210-8513.